Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, expressed disappointment that Vice President Kamala Harris would be skipping the Al Smith charity dinner, an event known for bringing people together in a spirit of civility, patriotism, and humor. Dolan emphasized that the evening is not meant to be a campaign speech or stop, but rather a way to raise funds for charity and promote unity. The Archbishop stressed the importance of turning the page on bitterness, and the tradition of the Al Smith dinner in fostering this sentiment. He described the event as a grand evening filled with teasing and laughter, with a diverse audience reflective of New York’s demographics.
Despite Dolan’s disappointment, the Harris campaign explained that the Vice President would be campaigning in Wisconsin, a battleground state, on the day of the dinner. They highlighted her desire to attend the event in the future as President, potentially making her one of the first sitting presidents to do so. The dinner, hosted annually since 1946, has raised millions of dollars for New York’s women and children and has featured prominent cultural, business, and political figures over the years, including major party presidential nominees. Trump’s Make America Great Again PAC criticized Harris for being the first presidential candidate to skip the event since 1984, linking her absence to what they described as her radical policies conflicting with Catholic teachings and history of anti-Catholic rhetoric.
Dolan stressed the significance of the Al Smith dinner as a unifying event, noting its charitable purpose and ability to bring people together in a spirit of camaraderie. He expressed hope that Harris would participate in future dinners and spoke of the teasing and laughter that characterizes the evening. The dinner, attended by a diverse audience that is not defined by political affiliation, holds a special place in the New York community and has become a tradition that emphasizes unity and positivity. Dolan’s disappointment at Harris’s absence reflects a desire to uphold the principles of the event and continue its impact in fostering goodwill and charity.
The Al Smith charity dinner has become a fixture in New York, raising funds for women and children in need, while also serving as a platform for renowned individuals from various sectors to come together in a spirit of camaraderie. Dolan’s remarks underscore the importance of the event as a way to bridge divides, promote unity, and raise money for charitable causes. Despite the absence of Vice President Harris, the dinner remains a symbol of charity, humor, and patriotism, inviting a diverse audience to participate in a night of teasing and laughter that transcends political affiliations. Its long-standing tradition and impact on the community make it a significant event that continues to uphold values of solidarity and goodwill.
In light of Harris’s absence and the controversy surrounding her decision, Dolan’s disappointment and hopes for future participation reflect a desire to preserve the essence of the Al Smith dinner as a unifying and charitable event. The dinner’s history of bringing together cultural, business, and political figures underscores its significance in the New York community and beyond, with a legacy of raising millions for those in need. As the event continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, the core values of civility, patriotism, and humor remain central to its purpose, emphasizing the importance of coming together for a common cause despite differences in political beliefs. Dolan’s call for unity and positivity at the dinner underscores the enduring impact of this tradition in promoting goodwill and generosity among diverse audiences.
